Phil Mickelson Drops Emphatic 5-Word Reaction to Keegan Bradley's Win

Newsweek

4 hours ago

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It's not often that Phil Mickelson tips his cap to a PGA Tour player, especially since joining LIV Golf. The last time Mickelson offered such a gesture was for Scottie Scheffler, after the World No. 1 won the PGA Tour Championship. But in that instance, he almost needed to following Mickelson's prediction that he wouldn't win in 2025.
But Keegan Bradley's dramatic win at the Travelers Championship earned him a rare and emphatic nod. Bradley drained a 6-foot birdie on the 72nd hole to seal a one-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood and Russell Henley.
Just hours later, Lefty took to X, typing: "Keegan Bradley is THE MAN!!"
Bradley's win on Sunday wasn't just another trophy but a statement. The 39-year-old Ryder Cup captain entered the final round trailing Fleetwood by three strokes, but clawed back with birdies on 15 and 18 to shoot a 2-under 68 and finish at 15-under for the week.
His approach shot on the final hole landed just inside six feet, and when Fleetwood three-putted from 50 feet, Bradley calmly rolled in the winner.
MEDINAH, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Phil Mickelson (L) of the USA reacts to a putt as Keegan Bradley looks on during a practice round during the fourth preview day of The 39th Ryder Cup at...
MEDINAH, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Phil Mickelson (L) of the USA reacts to a putt as Keegan Bradley looks on during a practice round during the fourth preview day of The 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 27, 2012 in Medinah, Illinois. (Photo by) More
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It is his 8th PGA Tour title, and perhaps the most meaningful one. Less than one year ago, Bradley received the call naming him U.S. Ryder Cup captain.
"When they called me and told me that I was being the Ryder Cup captain, the first thing they said was, 'We want you to be the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1962," Bradley revealed after his win.
"I didn't know what they were talking about, but they knew that that was a possibility and that we would have things in place for that."
"When they called me and told me that I was the Ryder Cup captain, the first thing they said was, 'We want you to be the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1962.'"
Playing captain Keegan Bradley was always a possibility. Now he's one step close to making it a reality. pic.twitter.com/qHv3ryeml2 — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 23, 2025
The 8-time PGA Tour pro's victory silenced many doubters, including Rory McIlroy's putting coach Brad Faxon, Webb Simpson, and former Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk, who had questioned whether he could juggle both roles.
Keegan Bradley takes massive leap up Ryder Cup standings
Before Sunday's victory, Bradley sat 17th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings. Now, the $3.6M win has propelled him to No. 9 with 7,845.22 points.
Currently, Scottie Scheffler remains the only player officially qualified for Team USA. Behind him is Xander Schauffele, who remains steady at No. 2.
J.J. Spaun secured 3rd place after his breakthrough U.S. Open. Whereas Bryson DeChambeau, last week 4th, has slipped to 5th despite strong major showings.
Russell Henley made a big move. His runner-up finish at TPC River Highlands vaulted him from outside the top six to No. 4, leapfrogging both Bryson and Collin Morikawa.
Morikawa, who held the 6th spot after the U.S. Open, has now been bumped out by Justin Thomas, who rounds out the automatic qualifiers at No. 6 with 9,997.69 points.
Bradley's two wins in the last 10 months and 5 top-10 finishes this year are making him move faster than expected. But he will still need a top-three finish, or another win, to break into the top six.
"This definitely opens the door to play," he said after Sunday's win. "I never would have thought about playing if I hadn't won. But now, I have to take a hard look at what's best for the team."
The top six ranked golfers automatically quailify for the Ryder Cup. Then, Captain Keegan gets to choose the remaining six.
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